Party of Five?

It's been no secret that Jon and I wanted a third kiddo. When Caleb was at the stage where he started showing signs of being a toddler, and less a baby, we just knew. It was time for another one. This time around, we enjoyed James's slower development very much, appreciating the dependence he still had on us, while we continued to push him toward toddler-hood. My desire for another baby was pushed back a little because of the daunting thought of taking care of a newborn...and carrying a 3-year-old! And diapering them both, and nursing one and spoon-feeding the other. Etc, etc.

However, two things have happened. One, James has started to grasp at those bits of independence. The possibility of walking, being potty-trained, and self-feeding are all within reach. And two, I realized that moms have twins all the time, where they have to deal with two. And moms of kids with special needs have other children, and they all make it. So even if James doesn't check those marks of independence off his list by the time Newbie3 arrives, it might be a little more hassle, but so what.

So, we had only one other little technicality to deal with: insurance. We switched health insurance about a year ago, and were told they would not cover maternity for 12 months. Duly noted. So we waited.

Then in February we miscarried, and so we had to wait a little more. We found out in April that we were expecting again.

A third is a little surreal. It doesn't seem nearly as life-changing, honestly. The first was a humdinger. The second was an adjustment. But three? It can't be that much different, right? We already have the van, the bassinet, the crib and the toddler bed. We've been changing diapers for four years, making bottles, cleaning sippies, dealing with child goo on the shoulders of every nice shirt we own. We understand the pause that a newborn requires, the ability to go out (and survive) in public with multiple kids, and that family is pretty much the most important thing next to God. So in many ways, the news of a third doesn't seem that big.

Then again....

THREE. I mean, you can't even fit in an average sedan with three kids plus carseats and boosters! And that just reminds me of all the JUNK that kids require. Our van is stuffed when we visit family for Christmas. I can't imagine adding another kid and his stuff, too! And three kids is pretty daunting for hosting, too! I doubt we'll be getting many more dinner invites!

Then again...

THREE. How cool is that?? Caleb will be so excited to find out another baby is coming, and I know he'll hope it's a sister. James LOVES babies, so while he may not understand for awhile exactly what's going on, when that baby comes home, he'll be head over heels. I have loved watching Caleb step into the role of big brother, teaching and cheering James on, comforting him, correcting him, bossing him, loving him. And I can't wait to see how James becomes a big brother himself.

Notes on the pregnancy:
As of today (4/30), I am 8 weeks and one day. We found out right about four weeks.
We told our parents last week, but no one else so far!
We want to tell the boys next, but know that telling Caleb will essentially be telling the world. :)
I have gotten one ultrasound at 6 weeks from our friend at the pregnancy center here in town. I do not go to my OB until I am 12 weeks.